Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Services and burial for Frank Schemanski will be private. Please sign the on line guestbook using the link above.

Maria Elena Milesi Bartlett (Age 89) 





On Monday, July 27, 2009; the beloved Italian wife of retired U.S. Air Force Sergeant, Deane H. Bartlett, who preceded her in death in 2000. Born on July 2, 1920, Maria Elena was sent by her parents to study at a Catholic convent in Paris. She and her twin brother were taken by the Nazis along with the other students and nuns to a concentration camp at the outset of World War II. She miraculously survived and was returned by American soldiers to her family in Modena Italy at the end of the war. She emigrated to the United States in her 20's, first working at the Italian Embassy and then moving to Elizabeth Arden, where she became known as the lively Italian manicurist who sang opera while she worked on the hands and feet of Washington celebrities for more than 40 years. Her clients included socialites, first ladies, and the wives of heads of state from around the world. A Washington Star article from 1986 reported that, at the urging of Joy Baker, wife of Senator Howard Baker, Maria Elena recruited the great opera star Luciano Pavarotti to sing at the annual Fords Theater Gala, reminding him of their mutual hometown connection of Modena, Italy. Maria Elena was fluent in five languages and at home in any social setting. She is survived by two brothers, Pietro and Mathew who reside in Switzerland and Italy. Relatives and friends are invited to Maria Elena's Life Celebration at Carroll Manor, 1150 Varnum Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20017 on Thursday, August 27, 2009 from 10:30 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11am. Interment Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at 2pm. Please sign the guestbook at: www.KalasFuneralHomes.com

On Monday, July 27, 2009, the beloved wife of the late William J. Russell; mother of William J. Russell; grandmother of Kimberly S. Perry and Kari M. Russell; great-grandmother of William B. Russell, Braden D. and Evan T. Perry. Services will be held on Tuesday, August 4 at 11:00AM at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery Chapel, Cheltenham, MD.

*******PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SERVICE IS ON FRIDAY, JULY 31 , AT 10:30AM. THIS INFO WAS INCORRECT IN THE CAPITAL *************


Margaret â€œMargâ€ Alice Calhan, 85, a 6-year resident of Ginger Cove, Annapolis, MD and previously of Clinton, MD died at Anne Arundel Medical Center on July 25, 2009. 

Born on March 23, 1924 in Tacoma, WA, she was a 1942 graduate of St. Aquinas Academy in Tacoma, WA. Mrs. Calhan was a homemaker most of her life. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Davidsonville, MD. She enjoyed golf, bridge, swimming, traveling, reading, gardening and family gatherings. 

She was the beloved wife of Lt. Col. Robert J. Calhan, Sr., USAF, Ret., whom she married July 1, 1942; devoted mother of Michele Lynn Groot of St. Leonard, MD, Robert J. Calhan, II of Annapolis, MD, Cecelia Louise Atkinson of Kingwood, TX, Kathleen Marie McSorley of Huntingtown, MD and John Hamilton Calhan of Owings, MD; sister of Cecilia Hogarth of Gig Harbor, WA, Thomas Hamilton of Las Vegas, NV and the late Catherine Fray; she is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday July 31, at 10:30am at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W. Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD. Interment Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to a Catholic Charity of one's choice. Arrangements by the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, Edgewater, MD.

Mary â€œBarbaraâ€ Von Wald (Age 91). 


On Friday, July 24, 2009 at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, MD. Devoted sister of Dr. Dorothy Von Wald Toffolo; beloved aunt of Mary â€œBetsyâ€ E. Toffolo-Cresce, Regina Toffolo Barletta, Christine Von Wald Castner, Katherine Von Wald Niederhelman, Stephen Von Wald, Walter Anthony and Christopher Toffolo. Also survived by numerous cousins grand-nieces and nephews. Family, friends and former students are invited to Barbara's Life Celebration at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD on Friday July 31, from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, August 1 at 10am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD. Interment Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton,Md.

Family and friends are invited to Mrs. Meredith's Life Celebration at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD on Tuesday, July 28 from 10am until time of service beginning at 11am. Interment Meadowridge Memorial Park, Elkridge, MD. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Carroll Hospice, 292 Stoner Avenue Westminster, MD 21157 or online by clicking HERE.

Helen Jeanette Alexander, 87, an 11-year resident of Annapolis, MD and previously of Wallingford, CT and Millington, NJ died on July 24, 2009 after a 7-year battle with Alzheimer's at Crofton Care and Rehabilitation Center. 


Born November 1, 1921 in Jersey City, NJ, she attended St. Joseph's Elementary and High School and received of Bachelors Degree in Education in Math and Science from Jersey City Teachers College in Jersey City, NJ. She was employed as a 7th and 8th grade math and science teacher in the Palisades Park New Jersey School system from 1943-47; leaving to raise her family. Mrs. Alexander taught Honor Society students. Her memberships included St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Jersey City, NJ, St. Vincent Catholic Church in Millington, NJ and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Crofton, MD. Helen's hobbies included being a cub scout pack mother, bible studies, tennis, photography, dancing, music, finance, cooking, homemaking and children. Mrs. Alexander especially enjoyed travelling; travelling to all 50 states, England, France, Italy, Switzerland, Spain and crossed the Arctic Circle. 


She was the beloved wife of Allan Alexander, whom she married in November of 1944; devoted mother of Allan Richard Alexander of Vancouver, WA, Robert James Alexander of Tampa, FL and Stephen Bruce Alexander of Annapolis, MD. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. 


Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 1800 Seton Dr, Crofton, MD on a later date. Inurnment Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, Ill. 60601-7633. Arrangements by the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, Edgewater, MD.

All services and interment are private for Mr. Fletcher. Please sign the family's online guestbook by clicking the above link. Arrangements by the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, Edgewater, MD

Family and friends are invited to a funeral service at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD on Saturday, July 25, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. Interment private.

All services are private. Arrangements by the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, Edgewater, MD. Please sign the guestbook by clicking the link above.

Barbara Katherine Sprague, 62, of Edgewater and the Annapolis area for over 40 years, died on July 20, 2009 at her residence following a 3-year battle with colorectal cancer. She was born on June 6, 1947 in Cleveland, OH to George and the late Kay Cox. For the past 15 years, she was an administrative assistant for the Security Services Unit of the Maryland State Police Department. She loved living on the water, the beach and gardening. 

In addition to her father, she is survived by her beloved life companion, Doug Bernia of Edgewater; one son, Ryan Sprague of Arnold, MD; one daughter, Erin Sprague Dillon of Annapolis, MD; one stepson, Jeffrey Bernia of Burlington, NC; one stepdaughter, Lori Bernia Evans of Auburn, AL; her brothers, Bill Cox of Cleveland, OH and Tim Cox of Naperville, IL; her sisters, Peggy Lipinski and Laurie Iliano, both of Cleveland, OH and eight grandchildren. 

Friends are invited to Barbara's Life Celebration on Friday from 4 to 7pm at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 25 at 9:00am at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 109 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis, MD. Interment private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Colon Cancer Alliance, 1200 G Street, N.W., Ste. 800, Washington, D.C. 20005 or online by clicking HERE.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Andrew by the Bay Catholic Church, 701 College Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21409 on Thursday, July 23, 2009 at 10:00am. Interment Private. Arrangements by the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, Edgewater, MD.

On Saturday, July 18, 2009; She is survived by many loving children and other relaives and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to Mrs.Simon's Life Celebration on Saturday, July 25, 2009 at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, P.A., 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9pm. Service and interment in the Philippines.

On Friday, July 17, 2009; the beloved husband of Carmen Flores; He is also survived by 8 children and many other relatives and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to Mr. Flores' Life Celebration on Friday, July 24, 2009 at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, P.A., 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD from 7 to 9pm. Service and interment in the Philippines.

Alvan M. Crews, Colonel USAF Ret. Alvan M. Crews died on July 17, 2009 surrounded by his loving family, at Georgetown University Hospital, after a valiant fight with cancer. Alvan was the beloved husband of Janet for 58 years. He was the proud father of four (Jann, Nancy, Patrick, and Leslie) and grandfather of five (Callie, Demian, Ryan, Zachary and Jade). He was born in Detroit Michigan on Dec. 22, 1928 to Esther and Fred Crews. Alvan relocated to Washington D.C. as a child. He graduated from Bullis Prep in Silver Spring, in 1947 and received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy graduating in the class of 1951, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Subsequently, he earned a Master Degree in Engineering Management from the Air Force Institute of Technology, attended the Squadron Officer School, and Armed Forces Staff College. Alvan entered pilot training in Aug. 1951 and was awarded his wings one year later at Williams AFB. He had advanced training in all weather, gunnery and photo reconnaissance. In August 1953, he was assigned to the 45th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron at K-14, Korea. During his tour he was also an exchange pilot with Marine Photographic Squadron One at K-3. After Korea, he spent 10 years in research and development at various Air Force bases within the United States. In 1966, he served as a Flight Commander in the 4449th Combat Crew Training Squadron. He was next assigned to the 483rd Tactical Airlift Wing in Vietnam, as Chief, Wing Standardization and Evaluation flying the C-7A aircraft. Colonel Crews returned to the United States in October of 1968 and was assigned to the Pentagon working with various research and development projects. Beginning in 1973 through 1976, Colonel Crews served as the Air AttachÃ© to Italy and in 1977, he became the Defense AttachÃ© to the Republic of South Africa. Upon his return to the United States in 1979, he retired from the Air Force. Included in his many military decorations are the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Meritorious Service Medal, and Italian Order of the Cavalier. He was a command pilot with over 6,000 hours, including 900 hours of combat time and 225 combat missions in both Korea and Vietnam. After his military retirement, he returned to the Washington D.C. area and became Executive Vice President of a computer company. When Alvan finally retired, he enjoyed golf, painting, cooking, gardening and traveling. He was a member of National Country Club at Tantallon, MOAA and USNA Alumni Association. A memorial service will be held for Alvan at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 23rd at the Kalas Funeral Home, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD. The family asks that no flowers be sent, but hopes you will donate, in his name, to the Fisher House Foundation (www.fisherhouse.org). Alvan's interment at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors will be held on Wedensday, October 7, 2009 at 3pm.

On Wednesday, July 15, 2009, the beloved brother of Grace (Michael) Bruce and Noreen E. Cox. Also survived by nieces and nephews. Interment private. Please sign online guestbook using link above.

On Wednesday, July 15, 2009. Beloved wife of Arthur L. Kay; Stepmother of Abdul Mohammad; granddaughter of Josephine Kay; sister of the late Louise Jones; aunt of William Jones; great aunt of Jermaine Dickerson, also survived by a host of other relatives and friends. Family and friends are invited to Mildred's Life Celebration at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden, 3600 Brightseat Rd., Landover, MD 20785 on Wednesday from 10am until funeral service begins at 11am. Interment National Harmony Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers contributions may be to the First Baptist Church of Glenarden. Arrangements by the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, Edgewater, MD.

Mary Ellen Osburn (Age 83) 





Of Westminster, MD on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC due to complications from a medical procedure; the beloved wife of the late Ivan E. Osburn; mother of Karen S. Creighton of Gerrardstown, WV and Miles R. Osburn of Westminster, MD; sister of Thelma Jackson. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren and her loyal companions Daisy and Molly. Relatives and friends are invited to Mrs. Osburn's Life Celebration at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, P.A., 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745 on Sunday, July 26, 2009 from 12 to 2 pm and 4pm until time of service at 4:30pm. Interment Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Please sign the guestbook at: www.KalasFuneralHomes.com

On Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at his residence in Oxon Hill, Md. The beloved husband of Almetia Griffin. Services and interment in New York, New York.

Anna Simone Oliva, 79, a 21-year resident of Edgewater, MD and previously of Capital Heights, MD, died on July 14, 2009 of cancer at her home in Edgewater, MD. 


Born September 12, 1929 in Washington, D.C. she was a homemaker most of her life. She was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Edgewater, MD. 


She was the beloved wife of Robert Oliva, whom she married on January 20, 1951; devoted mother of Frederick Oliva of Alpena, MI, Janice Oliva of Virginia Beach, VA, Robert Oliva, Jr. of Dumfries, VA, Mary Backs of California City, CA, Catherine Oliva of Woodbridge, VA, Angela Sirvas of Alexandria, VA and Anella Oliva of Alexandria, VA; sister of Gloria Boland of Catonsville, MD. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren. 


Friends are invited to Anna's Life Celebration at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD on Sunday, July 19 from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, July 20 at 11am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 515 Loch Haven Road, Edgewater, MD. Interment Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Crownsville, MD. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice.

Vincent Bennett, 52, affectionaltely known as â€œVinâ€ was born to the late Vincent and Anna Ancona Bennett in Melrose Park, IL. He departed this earth suddenly on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at his home, to go to his heavenly home to be with the Lord. 


Mr. Bennett was educated in Melrose Park, IL public schools. He later moved to the Maryland area in April of 1988. Vin started JB Construction in March of 1998. He had dry, humorous quirkiness about himself. His hobbies were fishing, golfing and baseball. 


Vin leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Cynthia â€œCindyâ€ Bennett, whom he married on November 12, 2001; two sons, Vincent C. Bennett of Round Lake, IL and Dominick V. Bennett of Joliet, IL; two daughters, Nicole Bennett of Joliet, IL and Teena Bennett of Greenbelt, MD; three sisters, Donna Bania (Dean) of Geneva, IL, Toni Castillio of Woodridge, IL and Sharon Harvey of Bolingbrook, IL; two nieces, Laura Bania and Anna Castillio. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren and a host of other family and friends. 


Vincent Bennett â€œVinâ€ was a family man; who will be greatly missed by all. 


Friends are invited to Vin's Life Celebration at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD on Monday, July 20 from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, July 21 at 10am at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W. Central Ave., Davidsonville, MD. Interment private.

On Monday, July 13, 2009. The beloved husband of the late Agnes Evelyn Myles; father of Cary, Michael, Jeffrey and Gregory Myles; brother of Donald and Norman Myles and Patricia Tarran, also survived by 6 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Friends are invited to Bernard's Life Celebration at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8pm where service will be held on Saturday, July 18 at 10:00am. Entombment Lakemont Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.

John (Jack) Magner Powers, 85, of Heritage Harbour in Annapolis, died of heart disease on July 13, 2009 at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Born in Washington, DC, he was the son of the late John Thomas Powers and Dr. Leversia L. Powers of Rockville, MD. 


Mr. Powers graduated from Peddie Preparatory School in Hightstown, NJ and received a bachelor's degree from Pennsylvania State University and a master's degree in educational administration from the University of Pittsburgh. 


A WWII combat veteran, he served in the U.S. Army 8th armored infantry battalion. After crossing into Europe the 2nd day after D-Day, his half track tank chased Germans across France, Holland and Belgium. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and the Bronze Star. 


His career included teaching and he was the principal of two elementary schools in Allegheny County, PA. He retired as a budget and policy analyst from the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, DC. 


He was an avid golfer, square dancer and bridge player and a long-time member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Annapolis. He was a volunteer with the Annapolis Visitors Center, the Paca House and the Budget Committee at Heritage Harbour. 


He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Eleanor, whom he married on August 14, 1948; his sons, Thomas Powers of Charlotte, NC and Jeffrey Powers of North Potomac, MD; a daughter, Susan Meyer of Silver Spring, MD; seven grandsons and one granddaughter. 


Friends are invited to Jack's Life Celebration at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD on Thursday, July 16 from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8PM. A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 17 at 11AM at Calvary United Methodist Church, Annapolis, MD. Inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery will be at a later date. 


In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Calvary United Methodist Church, 301 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401 or the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058-5216. Please sign the online guest book at www.kalasfuneralhomes.com.

On Monday, July 13, 2009, the beloved son of Ryan Bernardino and Princess Reano. Services and inurnment at a later date

Obituaries

Frank Schemanski

Maria Bartlett

Erma Russell

Margaret Calhan

Mary Wald

Irene Meredith

Helen Alexander

Francis Fletcher

Georgette Matthews

Kallur Venkatakrishna

Barbara Sprague

Peggy Heaphy

Amelia Simon

Antonio Flores

Col Crews

Wilburn D.C.F.D.

Mildred Kay

Mary Osburn

James Griffin

Anna Oliva

John Bennett

Bernard Myles

John Powers

Aidan Reano